It’s always exciting to highlight one of our faith communities and the amazing work that they’re doing! Today, we’d like to turn our attention to Union Hill Baptist Church. The pandemic didn’t seem to slow them down– when they saw a need in their community, they set out to fill it!
In November of 2019, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent from Nash and Edgecombe Counties met
with the Reverend and a church member from Union Hill Baptist Church to discuss implementing the Faithful Families program. The church had just started a program that included monthly educational meetings, and January was Ms. Evelyn Hart’s month. She wanted to host a meeting to discuss nutrition education for her church family. As a result of this initial meeting, dates were set to implement the Faithful Families program. The classes began in January of 2020 and ended one week before the pandemic shut down in March of 2020.
The class met weekly and had excellent attendance with over 40 participants each week. The congregation was very interested in learning how they could assist each other with their nutritional needs. Discussions were held to make sure healthy food and water options were available at all church-related programs where
food was being served. Several members also discussed starting a walking group, in addition to having more health and nutrition programs.
The pandemic did not stop this group from serving their community. The faith community continued to get their exercise through the 2020 Faithful Families Virtual Walking Challenge. Several of the members not only signed up for the challenge, but also met many of their walking goals. Later in the fall of 2020, they hosted a fall walking challenge and members of Union Hill Baptist Church once again signed up to participate and finished strong.
In April of 2021, the Nash County Famers Market was able to secure a grant which provided food boxes to seniors in five counties. Nash County received 98 boxes each week to distribute. Union Hill Baptist Church once again stepped up to assist their community, and they served as a distribution point. Every other week, members of the congregation assisted in distributing food boxes to seniors in the community. The members served in this role for five months and helped to distribute over 490 food boxes! This faith community has been a wonderful partner with Cooperative Extension, and they continue to be a shining light in the community.
Way to go Union Hill Baptist Church! It’s inspiring to hear about the work you’re doing in your community!
